SP Energy Networks has completed a £34million investment project as part of its reinforcement of the electricity network across Edinburgh and the Lothians to support the uptake of greener energy solutions.

The investment at Currie substation will help to futureproof the power grid for generations to come, supporting the transition to new green technology like electric vehicles and heating that will be crucial to the Scottish Government’s ambitious net zero emissions targets.

The network provider, which manages the electricity network in Central and Southern Scotland, has modernised the Currie substation, which was originally built in the 1950s, by replacing old technology that had reached the end of its operational lifespan.

The work carried out included the use of environmentally friendly gas as an insulator, making it one of the greenest substations in the country. Old oil circuit breakers were replaced with modern alternatives, while degraded concrete structures have given way to galvanised steel.

The project, which started in early 2017, will contribute to a resilient energy supply to over 90,000 homes and businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians including Livingston, Broxburn and South Queensferry.

Pearse Murray, SP Transmission Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “The £34million upgrade project we’ve completed in Currie is part of a major investment programme we are undertaking to ensure our transmission network can deliver a secure and reliable service now and far into the future.

“I’m very proud of the work the team has carried out, which ensures that strategic hubs like Currie continue to play a vital role in our work to deliver clean, green energy throughout our network.”

Currie substation joins a number of other SP Energy Networks substations across the country that have been upgraded to become more environmentally friendly with similar work planned across more of the network operator’s substations.

The transmission network takes electricity generated from power stations and windfarms and transports it at high voltage through over 4,000 kilometers of overhead and 320 kilometers of underground lines to electricity distribution supply points, from where it is reduced in voltage in stages so that it can be used in homes, businesses and other facilities.

SP Energy Networks has been working closely with communities across Lothian, keeping them up-to-date with the works in their local area. The community relations team has helped deliver the XP overhead line refurbishment between Curry and Kaimes substations along with the ongoing ZA overhead line refurbishment on the line which runs from Cockenzie and Eccles

SP Energy Networks owns and manages overhead and underground powerlines in Southern and Central Scotland as well as Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and North Shropshire.

For more information about SP Energy Networks and its services, visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk